To ensure hygienic meals are provided to students under the mid-day meal scheme,the Haryana government has taken up an initiative to construct modern kitchens in all government schools.

Around 400 schools will benefit from Haryana govts plan; move meant to attract students to schools

To ensure hygienic meals are provided to students under the mid-day meal scheme,the Haryana government has taken up an initiative to construct modern kitchens in all government schools.

There are plans to upgrade the existing menu of dalia and khichdis to things like puri-chole,paranthas,etc,which suits the taste of children,said Geeta Bhukkal,Minister for Education,Health and Social Justice and Empowerment,Haryana.

The move is meant to attract students to schools.

Approximately 400 schools,including primary schools across the Gurgaon district,will benefit from the scheme.

According to the minister,the lack of kitchens in schools resulted in meals being cooked in open,compromising hygiene. There had been reports of students falling ill after eating the meals.

The state has planned a budget of approximately Rs 100 crore for these modern kitchens.

Bhukkal said the necessary equipment would be provided for these kitchens. It is the duty of the headmasters and teachers to not be careless in serving food to the children under mid-day meal scheme. Special heed should be paid to cleanliness and hygiene, she said.

Schools will be provided a separate kitchen,which will include a washroom,utensils and containers. Self-help groups from villages will prepare the meal,as per the plans.

The state government also plans to conduct a free health checkup of as many as 40 lakh children between the age group of 0-18 years across the state and provide medical help wherever required.

As of now,we are covering students enrolled in the primary schools. This checkup is irrespective of the fact whether the child is attending school or not, Bhukkal said.